Retrofit Tub Overlay

ABSTRACT

Provided is an installation process and product designed to retrofit an existing bathtub by cutting and removing a section of the existing sidewall, inserting a generally U-shaped structure, and providing a removable covering to selectively close the void of the U-shaped structure to seal the bathtub.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of prior, co-pending application Ser. No. 12/713,437, filed Feb. 26, 2010, which claims priority from the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/155,640, entitled “Retrofit Bathtub Door,” filed Feb. 26, 2009. The disclosures of application Ser. No. 12/713,437 and application Ser. No. 61/155,640 are each incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate, in general, to a bathtub door addition, and, in particular, to a bathtub door addition allowing for easier ingress and egress from a bathtub, while providing the ability to continue utilizing the bathtub for a shower or full bath.

BACKGROUND

Traditional bathtubs may have high sidewalls, referred to as tub aprons, that allow a bathtub to hold a large volume of water. Many individuals, particularly the elderly and those suffering from arthritis, debilitating injury, handicap, and/or general loss of mobility, may have trouble accessing a bathtub area due to the high step that is typically required to step into and out of a bathtub. For such persons, the sidewall of a bathtub may be an insurmountable hurdle. Even with the assistance of a health aide, many individuals may not be capable of safely stepping over the sidewall of a bathtub and into the bathtub to take a bath or shower. Consequently, these persons may forego taking a bath or shower altogether and settle for alternate bathing methods, such as sponge baths and the like. Many people, however, may not find such alternative bathing methods satisfactory. Because the act of cleaning oneself may be considered by most people to be a very private affair, the need for the assistance of another person to use existing bathtubs or to participate in an alternate bathing method may be a very degrading and embarrassing experience. In addition, the presence of another person does not permit independence in the home.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that the described embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements shown. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements in the several views. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a more detailed partial view of the bathtub insert door shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a support structure for a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an assembled support structure for a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a bathtub insert according to one embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of an alternate version of a bathtub insert door and handle assembly configured for attachment to a frame (not shown).

FIG. 19 is a front view of the insert door of FIG. 18 illustrating the placement of magnets along the periphery of the insert door.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a bathtub insert and support structure for a bathtub insert having a retrofit covering.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the retrofit covering of FIG. 20 shown placed over the bathtub insert.

FIG. 22 is a right side view of the retrofit covering of FIG. 20 shown prior to placement over the bathtub insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Versions of a bathtub insert described herein comprise a product and process to provide easier access to a bathtub. In one embodiment, an insert may be placed in a cutout section of an exposed wall of a bathtub. This insert, when properly positioned in the cutout section of the tub wall, may effectively lower the tub wall to permit easy access to the interior of the tub for those who are physically challenged by the height of the wall of a typical bathtub. In another embodiment, an existing bathtub may be retrofitted by cutting and removing a section of the existing sidewall and adding a generally U-shaped structure featuring an operational, watertight, and sealable door. Such a door may allow for easy access to the interior of the bathtub while providing the ability to continue to utilize the bathtub for a shower or full bath. The surface of the U-shaped structure, step-saddle, or framed insert may feature a skid-resistant tread plate on its top surface to help prevent a user from slipping and/or falling.

Referring to FIG. 1, one example of a bathtub insert 20 is shown. Bathtub insert 20 may generally comprise a U-shaped box frame with a hinged door attached to the frame. For example, FIG. 1 shows bathtub insert 20 as comprising a step-saddle 22, or frame, and a door 24. Step-saddle 22 may further comprise a step-plate 26 and an end-plate 28. FIG. 1 shows, for example, step-saddle 22 as comprising a pair of end-plates 28. Step-plate 26 may be stepped over or upon by a user to gain access to the interior or exterior of a bathtub. End-plates 28 may originate at the ends of step-plate 26 and extend upwards from and perpendicular to the step-plate 26 and generally parallel to each other. End-plates 28 may define the ends of bathtub insert 20 and cover the sides of the U-shaped opening cut in the sidewall of the bathtub.

In one version, bathtub insert 20 may be retrofitted to an existing bathtub, where the dimensions of the bathtub insert 20 are configured to cover all of the cut lines from the removal of a portion of the bathtub. The bathtub insert 20 may be sized such that the removed portion of the bathtub need not have precise dimensions with tight tolerances. Bathtub insert 20 may effectively seal the cutout portion of the tub even if the cutout does not, for example, have the exact dimensions suggested for the installation. Bathtub insert 20 may comprise any suitable material as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, bathtub insert 20 may be made of a polymer, such as a polyethylene. The bathtub insert 20 may be fabricated using a rotational molding process or any other suitable method of fabrication.

Referring to FIG. 2, bathtub insert 20 may also comprise a door 24. In one version, the door 24 is watertight and is configured to allow easy access to the inside of a tub while allowing the tub to fully function as a bath when the door 24 is in the closed position. The door 24 may comprise any suitable material as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art such as a polymer, polyethylene, metal, stainless steel, ceramic, composite material, and/or glass. Door 24 may comprise a solid sheet of material or a plurality of sheets of material.

Versions of the door 24 may have any suitable construction or structure as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, door 24 may comprise a single panel. In another example, door 24 may comprise a plurality of panels. Multi-panel versions of the door 24 may include an accordion configuration of a plurality of integral panels, two generally equally sized doors that meet towards the center of the bathtub insert 20 and swing inwardly, telescoping panels, and the like. For example, bathtub insert 20 may include two doors (not pictured) that latch together in the middle. In another example, bathtub insert 20 may include two doors that function in a similar fashion to saloon doors, wherein one door may be closed and secured within a channel formed in step-saddle 22 and the second door may be closed and secured within another channel formed in step-saddle 22 with a latch, seal, or magnet.

The door 24 may comprise an accessory such as, for example, a latch, magnet, snap, or other means for locking or securing the door, multiple panels of a door, selected panels of the door, or the like. It will be appreciated that any suitable configuration of latch, connector, or adhesive is contemplated. An accessory, such as a latch, magnet, snap, etc., may be fabricated along with door 24 such that the door and accessory may be considered an all-in-one system or integral. Alternatively, an accessory may be attached to door 24 after the door is fabricated. For example, a latch may be attached to door 24 after the door is fabricated.

In an alternate version, the door 24 may be secured within a groove around the internal perimeter of the bathtub insert, where a removable component is lowered into the groove or channel to seal the tub.

In an alternate version, a door, blocking member, or capsule may be lowered into the opening of the bathtub insert 20 and/or over the bathtub insert 20 to effectively seal off the opening in the bathtub insert 20. The door, blocking member, or covering may be a solid material that, after a bather has entered the tub, is placed over the top of the bathtub insert 20 to provide a complete seal of the tub. For example, door 24 may lay horizontally within the generally U-shaped opening in step-saddle 22. In this version, the door or blocking member may completely fill the void in step-saddle 22. This door or blocking member may be affixed to the inside of the insert opening in any suitable manner such as, for example, with a magnet, seal, or both. In another version, a capsule or covering may cover the entire bathtub insert 20. The capsule or covering may be hinged or be a retrofit component that is placed over the top of the bathtub insert 20 to fully or partially obstruct the space in the insert. Any suitable connector or seal may be located around all or a portion of bathtub insert 20 to facilitate attachment of a door, blocking member, capsule, covering, or the like.

In one version (not shown), the door 24 is fastened with a hinge such that door 24, when in a closed position, fits horizontally over the generally U-shaped opening in step-saddle 22. In this embodiment, door 24 may be opened by pulling up on the door. In another embodiment, door 24 may be opened by removing the door from bathtub insert 20 completely. For example, bathtub insert 20 may not include a hinge 30, the interior and/or exterior of door 24 may comprise a plurality of magnets, and step-saddle 22 may comprise a plurality of corresponding magnets or strike plates or a recessed groove or channel. In this way, door 24 may be closed by pressing the magnetized door into place to seal the generally U-shaped opening in the step-saddle 22. Correspondingly, door 24 may be opened by pulling door 24 with sufficient force to overcome the magnets or to pull the seal out of the groove. In another example, one side of door 24 may be magnetic, while the other side is not.

Referring to FIG. 2, door 24 may be affixed to the U-shaped frame via a hinge 30. FIG. 2 shows, for example, a pair of hinges 30 that attach door 24 to step-saddle 22. Hinge 30 may be affixed to step-saddle 22 in any suitable manner as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, hinge 30 may be fastened into step-saddle 22 with a screw or other fastener. In this way, door 24 may be in an open or closed position. FIG. 1 shows door 24 in an open position. Hinges 30 may be affixed to the door 24, to the step-saddle 22, to the top of the step-saddle, and/or may have any other suitable placement or configuration.

Referring to FIG. 3, the inner surface of door 24 may comprise a magnet 40. FIG. 3 shows, for example, a pair of magnets 40. Magnets 40 may bond to a strike plate (not pictured in FIG. 3) mounted on or within step-saddle 22. Magnets 40 may provide a watertight seal for door 24 against step-saddle 22. Alternatively or in addition to a magnet, door 24 may be secured in any other suitable manner as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, door 24 may be secured with a sealant, seal, adhesive, buffer, or the like.

FIG. 4 shows one version of the door 24 in an open position. In this embodiment, the door 24 is closed by positioning it within a recess 50. Recess 50 may be integrally formed as part of step-saddle 22, and may provide a cavity dimensioned to accept the door 24, such that when door 24 is positioned in recess 50, door 24 is flush with step-saddle 22. Referring to FIG. 5, the inner surface of door 24 may also include a seal 52 configured within a channel that, when door 24 is in a closed position, may be compressed tightly against recess 50 of step-saddle 22 to provide a watertight seal. Seal 52 and a corresponding channel may be positioned at any suitable location on door 24 as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, seal 52 may be generally located on the edges of door 24. In another example, seal 52 may be positioned on door 24 to correspond with the position of recess 50 on step-saddle 22. In another example, seal 52 may be located within recess 50 to correspond with the position of door 24. Seals may be placed on the surface of the door 24 such that the seals engage one another when the door is in the closed position or, in an alternative version, the seals may be offset. The one or a plurality of seals 52 may comprise any suitable material as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, seal 52 may be made of a hydrophobic polymer. Any suitable number of seals is contemplated where, for example, there may be a seal mounted on door 24 as well as within recess 50 that compress tightly against each other when the door is in a closed position. Alternatively, the seals may be situated adjacent to each other when the door is in the closed position, such that they compress against alternate surfaces. In addition, seal 52 may be magnetized. For example, magnets may be incorporated into the core center of a seal 52. Referring to FIGS. 9-10, seal 52 may be located on door 24 in such a position so as to correspond to the shape of recess 50 on step-saddle 22. In this way, when door 24 is in a closed position, seal 52 may be compressed so as to form a watertight barrier. In another embodiment, seal 52 may be located on step-saddle 22. For example, seal 52 may be located in recess 50. In this way, when door 24 is in a closed position, seal 52 may be compressed so as to form a watertight barrier.

Referring to FIG. 11, another version of a bathtub insert 20 is shown. By way of example only, the bathtub insert 20 may be installed in accordance with methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,698, to Stafford, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Although not required, the installation process may include applying a template to a bathtub and cutting a generally U-shaped section out of the existing sidewall of the bathtub. Referring to FIGS. 12-13, bathtub insert 20 may also comprise an adjustable housing 54 and a support housing 56 as will be described in more detail herein. Once the section of the bathtub has been cut and removed, a support structure comprising two generally rectangular housings may be sized and fit into the open channel extending from the floor to the bottom of bathtub insert 20. These housings may provide support for bathtub insert 20. In an alternate version (not shown), a support system may be implemented that comprises a plurality of supporting members that extend from the floor to the bottom or underside of step-plate 26. The supporting members of a support system may be secured to the floor and to the bottom or underside of step-plate 26 in any suitable manner such as, for example, with a sealant or with a fastener. The supporting members may be configured from wood, polymer, plastic, ceramic, metal, or any other suitable material.

In another alternate version (not shown), support bracing for the bathtub insert 20 may be affixed to or otherwise mounted directly on a bathtub. For example, support bracing may be affixed to a sidewall of the bathtub. Such support bracing may be affixed to the bathtub in any suitable manner as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, support bracing may be adhered to or screwed into a wall of the bathtub. Support bracing may also be made of any suitable material, such as metal support bracing. Support bracing may be expandable, like an accordion, to fit the dimensions of a given bathtub and/or cutout portion of the bathtub. In still another version (not shown), support for a bathtub insert 20 may be built into the underside of step-plate 26 such that the support bracing is integral with the step-plate 26. Such support bracing may extend from the underside of step-plate 26 to the floor in, for example, a telescoping configuration. Support bracing may be adjustable to fit the width and/or depth of a given bathtub. The support bracing may have pre-set holes into which tangs on a corresponding brace member fit to correctly size the support structure.

The adjustable housing 54 may be, for example, a rectangular box-like structure extending from the bottom or underside of step-plate 26, through the elongated bottom opening cut in the bathtub for placement of bathtub insert 20, and secured to the bathroom floor or subfloor. It is this adjustable housing 54, in conjunction with a support housing 56, that may provide the improved strength and adjustability afforded by bathtub insert 20. Rather than resting on the edges of the opening cut in the bathtub sidewall, the housings may be configured to rest on the floor or subfloor. In one embodiment, the adjustable housing 54 may be a five-sided rectangular box-like structure. Its top panel may mate with or adhere to the bottom of step-plate 26. For added support, the top panel may include transverse ribs incorporated or molded into the panel. These may aid in distributing any load or weight generally attributed to a user of the bathtub. Adjustable housing 54 may also have two side panels and two end panels with an open bottom panel. Exhaust ports for the escape of air when the adjustable-housing is used in conjunction with the support-housing may be located in the end panels. Adjustable housing 54 may fit over and enclose support housing 56 with a snug friction fit, and may ultimately be sealed or secured in place to support housing 56. Air, which may be temporarily entrapped in adjustable housing 54, may escape through the exhaust ports. Alternatively, adjustable housing 54 may be secured to support housing 56 in any suitable manner as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, adjustable housing 54 may be secured to support housing 56 with a sealant or a fastener, such as a screw, a rod, a nut and bolt, a nail, a staple, a brad, or the like.

The support housing 56 may be a rectangular box-like structure similar to the adjustable housing 54. Support housing 56 may feature a pair of side panels, a pair of end panels, and a bottom panel. The bottom panel may be configured for attachment of the support housing 56 to the bathroom floor. An elastomeric sealant may be all that is necessary to fix the support-housing in place, but metal fasteners such as nails, staples, brads, etc., may also be used. Additional ports for the escape of air compressed by the nesting of the support housing 56 within the adjustable housing 54 may be provided in the end panels.

The housings 54 and 56 may rest on the bathroom floor, for example, and may not rest on the edges of the opening cut in the bathtub sidewall. In this way, bathtub insert 20 may permit direct weight to be placed on step-plate 26, as it may be supported by the two housings. Once the two support housings 54 and 56 are properly fit to support the U-shaped box structure (the step-saddle 22 of insert 20), the housings may be secured to the floor. The housings may be secured to the floor in any suitable manner as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the housings may be secured with a sealant or with a fastener.

During the installation process, the cavity formed by the removal of the cutout from the side of the tub may be sealed to prevent leakage into the cavity between the tub walls. The cavity may be sealed by providing a plurality of waterproof sheets or pieces that are fashioned together to cover a section of the bathtub that has been cut and removed. The waterproof sheets may have an adhesive or other bonding agent on its surface allowing it to adhere to the bathtub and/or a support housing. Such sheets may be a waterproof membrane similar to materials commonly used for roofing applications. In an alternate version, expandable foam or other suitable materials may be sprayed or applied to the top of the support housings and in the voids in the sidewall on each side where the cutout has been made on the bathtub to provide a watertight seal. Any suitable waterproofing material may be used as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, materials used to seal the foundation of a house may be utilized to seal the exposed bathtub cavity. In still another version, a plurality of pieces of lumber, Styrofoam, or other suitable material may be cut to fit the open channel and the sidewalls of the bathtub and adhered or fastened to the sides of the bathtub and to the top of the support housings.

Once the section of the bathtub sidewall is removed, the bathtub insert 20 may be sized to fit over the cut opening of the bathtub. This installation step may include cutting or trimming the sides and the bottom of the step-saddle 22 to fit over the section of the bathtub where the cutout has been made. Bathtub insert 20 may then be adhered to both the bathtub and/or to the top of the sealed housings. Bathtub insert 20 may fit into the cut opening in the bathtub without an overlap over the cut section of the tub. A bead of waterproof sealant or caulk may be applied to the entire perimeter along the outer surface of the U-shaped box and the bathtub to provide a watertight barrier.

The installation of bathtub insert 20 may proceed generally as follows, although other methods are contemplated: An opening, generally U-shaped, may be cut in the sidewall of any suitable bathtub. In most instances, a built-in bathtub has three sides encased in or by the surrounding wall with a bottom perimeter that is flush with the floor on the exposed side. It is the exposed side that is chosen for alteration with the bathtub insert 20 to make entry and departure easier. This opening, cut into the exposed sidewall of the bathtub, may extend for a predetermined length within the sidewall and from the top of the sidewall and extend to a predetermined distance above the bottom of the bathtub. These predetermined distances may be generally the dimensions of step-saddle 22. Alternatively, these predetermined distances may be slightly smaller than the dimensions of step-saddle 22 to allow for a secure and watertight coupling.

More specifically, a template may be used to outline the portion of the bathtub sidewall to be removed for the insertion and placement of bathtub insert 20. With the aid of the template, an outline may be drawn on the sidewall of the bathtub, and the defined section may be cut out and removed with the appropriate tools dictated by the composition of the bathtub. A pattern may then be made of the cutout area of the bathtub. The pattern outline may be transferred to the lips (not pictured) on bathtub insert 20 to mirror the cutout section of the bathtub, and the insert 20 may be cut to fit.

Bathtub insert 20, with all of its components, may then be positioned in the cutout of the bathtub and aligned in the void of the cutout. Insert 20 may then be removed to permit a support housing 56 to be secured to the floor or subfloor. A support housing 56 may be secured to the floor in any suitable manner as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a support housing 56 may be secured to a floor with sealant or metal fasteners.

Bathtub insert 20 may be repositioned over the cutout opening with the underside of step-plate 26 resting on an edge of the cutout void. The adjustable housing 54 may be bonded to the support housing 56 with a suitable sealant. The entire perimeter of the step-saddle 22 may be joined to the bathtub with a waterproof caulk or sealant to finish the placement of bathtub insert 20. After allowing a suitable period of time for the sealant and/or caulk to crosslink and cure, bathtub insert 20 may be ready for use.

Referring to FIG. 14, another example of a bathtub insert 20 is shown. As shown in FIG. 14, bathtub insert 20 may comprise a handle 60. Handle 60 may facilitate the opening and/or closing of door 24 and may be attached to door 24 in any suitable manner as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, handle 60 may be fashioned as part of a bracket 62 that is secured to door 24 with a fastener 64. Fastener 64 may be, for example, a screw or a bolt. Alternatively, handle 60 may be fashioned as part of door 24 in such a way that handle 60 and door 24 may be considered one integral piece. A strike plate 66 may also be located on the surface of step-saddle 22. For example, FIG. 14 shows two strike plates 66. Such strike plates 66 may serve to bond with a magnet 40 affixed to the inner surface of door 24. In this way, magnets 40 and strike plates 66 may help to secure door 24 in a closed position. In an alternate version, the strike plate 66 may be concealed on the back side of step-saddle 22. Any suitable number and configuration of handles is contemplated where, for example, multiple brackets may be provided to seal the door 24 at locations where leakage is likely to occur. The handle and/or bracket may be configured to translate vertically to lock and unlock the door or, alternatively, may be configured to latch and unlatch the door horizontally.

Referring to FIG. 15, another version of step-saddle 22 is shown. In this version, in contrast to the step-saddle 22 displayed in FIGS. 1-4 and FIG. 11, step-saddle 22 has an open cavity 70. Such a cavity 70 may run underneath step-plate 26. Such a cavity 70 may provide for quicker installation of bathtub insert 20, as the insert 20 may be easier to trim to needed dimensions. The step-saddle 20 may be solid, have an open cavity, or any other suitable configuration.

FIG. 16 shows another example of a bathroom insert 20. In this example, a tread 80 may be applied to or fashioned as part of the top surface of step-plate 26. Tread 80 may serve to provide traction and/or friction to the surface of step-plate 26. In this way, tread 80 may help prevent a user from slipping and/or falling while stepping on or over step-saddle 22 and into or out of the bathtub. Tread 80 may comprise any suitable material as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, tread 80 may be made of fabric, an absorbent material, an aesthetically pleasing material, a removable material, a material with a high coefficient of friction, or the like. Tread 80 may be applied or fabricated as part of step-plate 26 in any suitable manner as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, tread 80 may be molded into the bathtub insert 20 or may be glued or stapled onto step-plate 26 after the step-plate 26 has been formed, as an aftermarket material. The tread 80 may be permanently affixed to step-plate 26 or it may be removable. The finish on tread 80 may be any suitable finish as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, tread 80 may have an etched surface.

In addition to or in place of magnets 40, a bathtub insert 20 may comprise a latch to secure a closing of door 24. Referring to FIG. 17, one example of a latch 90 is shown. Latch 90 may be, for example, fashioned out of the same bracket 62 to which handle 60 may be fashioned. Alternatively, latch 90 may be completely separate from handle 60. As shown in FIG. 17, when door 24 is in a closed position, latch 90 may be secured by a holder 92. FIG. 17 shows, for example, latch 90 being secured by two holders 92. Holder 92 may include a means for securing a latch 90. For example, FIG. 17 shows holder 92 as including a flange or lip 94 to secure latch 90. Holder 92 may be secured to step-saddle 22 in any suitable manner as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, holder 92 may be screwed into step-saddle 22. Alternatively, holder 92 may be fashioned out of step-saddle 22 in such a way that holder 92 and step-saddle 22 may be considered to be one piece. In addition, bracket 62 may be moveably secured to door 24 in such a way that a user may lift handle 60 (or if a handle 60 is not present, the bracket 62 itself) to release latch 90 from holder 92 to move door 24 into an open position. Conversely, a user may push handle 60 (or if handle 60 is not present, the bracket 62 itself) down to secure latch 90 in holder 92 and therefore, close and secure door 24. In another example, a user may place latch 90 in holder 92 to secure the closed door 24. Bracket 62 may be moveably secured to door 24 to allow for such movement of latch 90 by screwing or otherwise fastening bracket 62 to door 24 through a cutout 96 in bracket 62.

Referring to FIG. 18, another example of a bathtub door 100 is shown that may be associated with any suitable frame (not shown). As shown in FIG. 18, the bathtub door 100 may be associated with a handle 102. Handle 102 may facilitate the opening and/or closing of door 100 and may be attached to door 100 in any suitable manner as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, handle 102 may be pivoted about a frame coupling 104 that attaches the handle 102 to the frame. The handle 102 may be pivoted such that it engages a latch 106 that is secured to the frame. Referring to FIG. 18, the handle 102 is shown in the “closed” position, where the handle is engaged with the latch 106 to secure the door 100 against the frame and, thus, prevent the door 100 from opening.

In one version, the handle 100 further comprises one or a plurality of magnets 108 that are associated with corresponding magnets embedded or otherwise associated with the frame (not shown). When in the “closed position”, the magnets 108 in the handle 100 are configured to align with the corresponding frame magnets to secure the handle 100 in the “closed position”. In one version, to open the door the handle 100 must be pivoted away from a friction fit latch 106 and must also overcome the coupling of the magnets 108. It will be appreciated that any suitable magnet 108 arrangement is contemplated, where a second set of frame magnets (not shown) may be associated with the frame to secure the handle 100 when in the “open position”. In this manner, the handle 100 is configured to securely hold the door 100 against the frame to prevent leakage, where the magnets 108 prevent the handle 100 from being accidentally opened.

Referring to FIG. 19, the door 100 includes a plurality of door magnets 110 arranged around the periphery of the door 100 to secure the door 100 to a frame or step saddle (not shown). The door magnets 110 are associated with corresponding magnets imbedded in the frame such that when the door 100 is in the “closed position” the magnetic coupling resists accidental opening of the door 100. The door magnets 110 may be embedded within the door, attached to the outside surface of the door, or otherwise configured to provide a secure attachment between the door 100 and the frame. It will be appreciated that the door 100, handle 102, and latch 106 may be used with any suitable frame such as, for example, those described herein.

The versions presented in this disclosure are examples. Those skilled in the art can develop modifications and variants that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the bathtub door addition. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

We claim: 

1. A method of modifying a bathtub, the method comprising the steps of: creating an opening in an external sidewall of the bathtub by cutting through the external sidewall of the bathtub, the opening extending along a length of the sidewall and a depth extending from the top of the sidewall to a distance above the bottom of the bathtub, wherein the opening has a first side, a second side, and a bottom edge; providing an insert, the insert comprising a step-saddle having an elongate step-plate operable to cover the bottom edge of the opening, a pair of end plates extending from the ends of the step-plate that are operable to cover the first side and the second side of the opening, and an opening in the insert defined by the pair of endplates and the step plate; positioning the insert over opening in the external sidewall of the bathtub; attaching the insert to the external sidewall of the bathtub; providing a removable covering operable to be placed over the insert; and positioning the removable covering over the insert to substantially block the opening in the insert.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the removable covering completely covers the opening in the insert.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the insert is generally U-shaped.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the removable covering, when positioned over the insert, covers the opening in the insert such that the external sidewall of the bathtub is sealed.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the removable covering has a generally U-shaped configuration operable to overlay the insert.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a seal to facilitate attachment of the removable covering.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a connector to facilitate attachment of the removable covering.
 8. A method of modifying an existing bathtub, the method comprising the steps of: providing a bathtub having a generally U-shaped step saddle, the step saddle defining a generally U-shaped void in a sidewall of the bathtub, wherein the step saddle comprises an elongated step-plate and a pair of end plates extending from the step plate to define the generally U-shaped void; and positioning a removable covering over the step saddle to substantially block the generally U-shaped void defined by the step saddle in the sidewall of the bathtub.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the removable covering completely covers the void defined by the step saddle in the sidewall of the bathtub.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the removable covering substantially covers the generally U-shaped step saddle.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the removable covering, when positioned over the step saddle, seals the bathtub.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the step saddle comprises a seal to facilitate attachment of the removable covering.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the step saddle comprises a connector to facilitate attachment of the removable covering.
 14. A method of modifying a bathtub, the method comprising the steps of: creating an opening in an external sidewall of the bathtub by cutting through the external sidewall of the bathtub, the external sidewall having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a space therebetween, the opening extending along a length of the sidewall and a depth extending from the top of the sidewall to a distance above the bottom of the bathtub, wherein the opening has a first side, a second side, and a bottom edge; sealing off the space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the external sidewall; providing a removable covering operable to be placed over the opening in the external sidewall; and positioning the removable covering over the opening in the external sidewall to substantially block the opening.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of sealing off the space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the external sidewall comprises positioning an insert over the opening in the external sidewall of the bathtub.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the insert is a generally U-shaped step saddle.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the removable covering is selectively removable.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the removable covering is selectively removable from the external sidewall of the bathtub.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the opening in the external sidewall is generally U-shaped.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the removable covering is selectively removable. 